Leh: The Ladakh unit of Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) on Friday called on Union Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh and demanded women battalion in Ladakh Scout as well as district status for Nubra and Zanskar.
Party insiders informed Indus Dispatch, the BJP leaders led by its president Phunchok Stanzin met Union Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh at Leh.
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“We have a threadbare discussion on several issues like Safeguard to UT Ladakh; Granting district to the Zanskar & Nubra; Strengthening Hill Council; Establishment of Women Battalion in Ladakh Scout,” a party leader said.
The BJP members were also accompanied by Chairman LAHDC Leh Adv. Tashi Gyalson; Deputy Chairman; Executive Councillors and Councillors of LAHDC Leh.
After hearing to demands and issues raised by BJP Leaders, Union Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh said that PM -Modi led government is committed for the overall development and for upliftment of the people of Ladakh.
He further informed that the meeting remained qualitative and BJP members are expected to have some positive outcomes out of today’s meetings.
Earlier, Rajnath Singh dedicated to the nation 75 infrastructure projects built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)at a function organised at D-S-DBO road in Ladakh.
These 75 projects – 45 bridges, 27 roads, two Helipads &one Carbon Neutral Habitat– are spread across six states & two Union Territories (UTs). Twenty (20) of these projects are in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K); 18 each in Ladakh & Arunachal Pradesh; five in Uttarakhand and 14 in other border states of Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab &Rajasthan.
These strategically important projects have been constructed at a total cost of Rs 2,180 crore by the BRO in record time, many of which have been completed in a single working season using state-of-the-art technology.
Appreciating the grit and determination of BRO for achieving the feat despite challenging weather conditions, the Raksha Mantri pointed out that the projects will bolster the country’s defence preparedness & ensure economic development of border areas.
The highlight of the event was the onsite inauguration of 120-metre long Class 70 Shyok Setu on D-S-DBO Road at an altitude 14,000 feet. The bridge will be of strategic importance as it will facilitate logistics movement of the Armed Forces.
Other projects inaugurated virtually by the Raksha Mantri include two helipads, one each in Hanle and Thakung, in Eastern Ladakh. These helipads will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force in the region.
